Let the cute girl travel? ~Introducing Japanese Proverbs, Kotowaza vol.7

Minasan Ohayō gozaimasu!
Can you guess what does “Let the cute girl travel” mean?

Let’s find it now!
I’ll show you 5 Japanese proverbs in this blog. Let’s get started!

Introducing 5 Japanese proverbs, vol.7 Video

Contents hide

1 継続は力なり（けいぞくはちからなり）

2 住めば都（すめばみやこ）

3 泣きっ面に蜂（なきっつらにはち）

4 親しき仲にも礼儀あり（したしきなかにもれいぎあり）

5 可愛い子には旅をさせよ（かわいいこにはたびをさせよ）

継続は力なり
（けいぞくはちからなり）

Romaji: keizoku wa chikara nari

Word: keizoku (継続)= continuation, chikara (力)=power

Direct translation: Continuation is the power

Equivalent English expressions: Continuity is the father of success. Practice makes perfect.

Example: A: Am I doing really ok? I can’t feel progress.
B: Don’t worry! even a little progress, if you continue step by step, you’ll make a great success in the end. “keizoku wa chikara nari” dayo.

住めば都
（すめばみやこ）

Romaji: sumeba miyako

Word: sumu (住む)= live, miyako (都) =capital; metropolis

Direct translation: Wherever you live, that’s the place of your cozy home.

Equivalent English expressions: Home is where you can make it.

Example: I’m afraid if I can live here comfortably… B: Don’t worry, I’m sure you will. They say “sumeba miyako”, desho?

泣きっ面に蜂
（なきっつらにはち）

Romaji: nakittura ni hachi

Word: naku (泣く)= cry, 　tsura (面)=face, hachi (蜂)= bee

Direct translation: Bee on a crying face

Equivalent English expressions: To add insult to injury. Misfortunes never come alone. One misfortune rides upon another’s back.

Example: I lost my wallet. Then now I realized that I lost my phone too. This is the situation of “nakittura ni hachi“…

親しき仲にも礼儀あり
（したしきなかにもれいぎあり）

Romaji: shitashiki naka nimo reigi ari

Word: shitashii (親しい)= close, friendly, naka(仲)=relationship, reigi (礼儀)= etiquette; courtesy

Direct translation: Even between close friends, politeness exists.

Equivalent English expressions: Good manners even between good friends. Good fences make good neighbors. A hedge between keeps friendship green.

Example: Why did you come to my home suddenly without any call or message? We’re friend but I think it’s rude. “shitashiki naka nimo reigi ari” dayo.

可愛い子には旅をさせよ
（かわいいこにはたびをさせよ）

Romaji: kawaii ko niwa tabi o saseyo

Word: kawaii (可愛い)=adorable, cute, ko (子)=child, tabi (旅) = travel

Direct translation: Let the cute girl travel

Meaning: If you love your child, send her/him on a journey. Spare the rod and spoil the child.

Example: A: my son wants to go to study abroad. But I’m afraid if anything happen to him..
B: Understand. well, but if you wish his growth, you better let him go and explore the different world. That’s good for him. “kawaii ko niwa tabi o saseyo” dayo.

How was it? Dō deshita ka?
Do you have your favorite Kotowaza?
Hope you enjoyed the 5 Japanese proverbs introduced this time!

Find out the 10 most famous Japanese proverbs!